Health benefits of broccoli sprouts**
Support healthy immune function – Broccoli sprouts are naturally rich in powerful sulforaphane compounds that support your body’s natural defenses. Sulforaphane also acts as an inducer of antioxidants like glutathione, which help protect your cells from free radical damage.
Promote healthy brain function – According to a study published in the Austin Journal of Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke, regular consumption of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts can support healthy cognitive function. Broccoli sprouts are also loaded with antioxidants that can help protect your brain from harmful free radicals and promote brain health.
Support healthy cardiovascular function – According to experts, the sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts can support the health of your heart and circulatory system by helping maintain healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range. The indirect antioxidant effect of sulforaphane can also help protect your heart from oxidative stress.
Promote healthy liver function – The sulforaphane and glucoraphanin in broccoli sprouts can help ease the stress on your liver by supporting your body's natural detoxification process. Broccoli sprouts also contain plenty of antioxidants that can help protect your liver from oxidative stress.
Support a healthy gut – Having a healthy gut has a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. Sulforaphane can help maintain the normal functions of your gastrointestinal tract and support a healthy digestive system.
Promote strong bones and healthy joints – A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that the high amounts of sulforaphane and other antioxidants in broccoli sprouts can support strong and healthy bones. Sulforaphane can also help you maintain optimal joint health.
Support healthy, glowing skin and hair – As an inducer of natural antioxidants in your body, sulforaphane can protect your skin from oxidative stress and help reduce the appearance of aging. A study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications suggests that sulforaphane can also help maintain normal hair growth.
Promote your body’s natural elimination of toxic elements – The sulforaphane and glucoraphanin in broccoli sprouts are known to promote your body's natural ability to flush out unwanted toxins.
Support healthy energy levels and post-workout recovery – The wide array of nutrients found in broccoli sprouts can help nourish your body and help you maintain healthy energy levels. This high nutrient content can also support healthy muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.
What are glucoraphanin, sulforaphane and glucosinolates?**
Glucosinolates like glucoraphanin and isothiocyanates like sulforaphane are the key health-promoting compounds found in broccoli sprouts.
Glucoraphanin – The precursor to sulforaphane, glucoraphanin is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to a large group of beneficial phytonutrients called glucosinolates. It was first discovered in the early 1990s by scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Glucoraphanin is known to support the healthy functions of your heart, liver, joints, muscles and gut. At three to five days old, broccoli sprouts contain some of the highest levels of glucoraphanin known in the vegetable world. In fact, the sprouts contain anywhere from 10 to 100x more glucoraphanin than mature broccoli heads.
Sulforaphane – When you consume glucoraphanin, the enzymes in your digestive system convert it to a potent, biologically active compound called sulforaphane. This sulfur-rich compound is the most important isothiocyanate found in broccoli and gives it its distinctive taste and smell. Sulforaphane exerts an indirect antioxidant effect by inducing natural antioxidants in your body, such as glutathione. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and promote the healthy functions of your heart, brain, liver, skin, joints and muscles.
Glucosinolates – Glucosinolates are highly beneficial compounds naturally found in broccoli sprouts. Some of the potent health benefits of glucosinolates include supporting a healthy immune system, combating free radicals and promoting the growth of healthy skin and hair.